Is My Cat in Heat? 6 Signs Your Female Cat Is in Heat

signs that a cat is in heat

Learn how to tell whether your feline lady is in heat and how you can help your cat during this period, + a lot of other good tips!

Table of Contents

How to Tell If Your Cat Is in Heat?

Signs to look out for if you wonder if your cat is in heat:

  • More vocal than usual
  • Gestures for attention
  • Upright tail and mating positions
  • Increased desire to go out
  • Odor release by spraying urine
  • Excessive Grooming

When a female cat is in heat, she urinates frequently. This is the most apparent sign of the estrus cycle. Apart from that, it starts to howl and meow more frequently. 

The cat often starts rolling on the floor, waiting for your attention. They can start to urinate to attract adult male cats’ attention and want to go out all the time. 

cat can be more vocal while in heat

When Do Cats Go Into Heat?

The estrus cycle period begins when cats reach puberty. The time it takes to reach puberty is different for each cat. Depending on the breed of the cat, this period can vary between 6 months and 18 months of age. 

Generally, it is expected to enter the first estrus period between 8-10 months. The heat or mating season usually occurs in the spring and autumn seasons, but your cat can go into heat every 2-3 weeks if not spayed or pregnant.

How Do You Take Care of a Cat in Heat?

How to calm a cat in heat

If you ever feel your feline friend starts to become intense in her acting, like vocalization and actions. There are several ways to calm your cat down while in the heat:

  • Keep her indoors and away from male cats.
  • Make sure to clean the litter box often.
  • Keep her distracted by playing with the cat.
  • If the cat is stressed, you can try some catnip.
  • Get a heating pad.

Play Games with Your Cat

Nothing is like playing with your cat. Cats love and enjoy playing with toys like: 

  • Stick toys.
  • Rustling paper.
  • Bottle caps.
  • Balls of string.

Playful behaviors indicate that your cat is happy, even in the heat.

Reward your cat

You can spoil your cat by giving treats, food, and wet food. It might get her mind on something else if she is stressed.

Try to Understand Your Cat’s Body Language

Cat has many ways to tell us what they want and their desires. However, while the female feline is in heat, they will start showing it with their body language. You will notice your cat becoming more affectionate and rubbing its head and body against you and furniture around the house.

If You Don’t Want Kitties, Keep Her Indoors

Cats in heat start to howl and “mew” loudly and intensely. This is because they are trying to call upon male mating partners. As long as you are not looking for some cute kitties coming in a few months, it is recommended to keep the female cat indoors.

When your cat is in heat, the decision you need to make will be to mate or neuter your cat. If you have decided to mate, ensure that you can create the environment and conditions that will provide the necessary care for your female cat and the newborn kittens.

If your decision is to neuter, wait for your cat to get over the heat period by taking certain precautions.

Conclusion

You will understand if the cat is in heat by observing its body language and vocalization. The kitty will become more vocal and demand more attention. Especially the desire to go out and meet male cats.

The first thing cat owners should do during the heat period is to spend more time with their cats and take care of their needs. It might be necessary to calm them down if you find your cat stressed during this period.

FAQ

Do Female Cats Bleed During the Heat?

Usually, there is no case of bleeding in cats during estrus. However, if you see blood in various areas during this period, it may be a sign of other problems.

Is Heat Painful for Cats?

The cat heat cycle is not painful for your feline friend. The sounds it makes are not a sign of pain but rather trying to communicate with male cats to mate.

How Long Does a Cat Stay in Heat?

A female cat will be in heat for around seven days and up to a maximum of 19 days in total for some breeds.

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Henry

Henry is a seasoned pet enthusiast with extensive experience in caring for various animals, including rabbits, guinea pigs, and dogs. His lifelong dedication to pet care is complemented by three years of professional experience working at a pet store. During this time, he acquired in-depth knowledge of pet products, dietary needs, and comprehensive care techniques.

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